Shepherd to face Part in final

Rookie Kirk Shepherd will take on Canada's John Part in the final of the Ladbrokes.com PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace on New Year's Day.

Part, a two-time world champion, secured his place after a resounding 6-2 victory over Kevin Painter.

Shepherd, 21, edged a titanic tussle with Wayne Mardle in the second semi-final, winning 6-4.

Part, 41, never looked in danger against his English opponent as a clinical display ensured the match came to a swift conclusion.

Painter had dumped out reigning champion Raymond van Barneveld in the third round but he was outclassed by Part, who never looked back after storming into a two-set lead early on.

Part said afterwards: "I have the advantage in the sense that I've won the world title before. It's always been in my plans to win it for a third time - but I'm still one big match away from that."

Shepherd produced a mature display against Mardle, who was a hot favourite to make the final following his stunning quarter-final win over Phil Taylor.